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It is being touted as the documentary of the year, providing viewers with “unprecedented” access into the private lives of two of the world’s most talked-about figures – but just hours before its release, the project remains shrouded in controversy.
The duo welcomed their second child, Lilibet, in June of last year, mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II just months ago, and have become more outspoken than ever over their treatment by the “The Firm” and the media.
Some royal experts have even speculated that the Queen’s death “has changed everything” for the controversial couple, who are now said to be less concerned about the impact revelations aired in the series has on ties with the family.
In fact, any sense that the documentary will provide viewers with a positive outlook on the royal family were firmly quashed this week following the release of the official trailer.
“It’s a dirty game,” Harry says, pointing to what he claims is the Palace’s personal agenda.
“There’s a hierarchy of the family.
“You know there’s leaking… but there’s also planting of stories.”
And while none of the information presented in the trailer is particularly new or groundbreaking, especially to keen royal watchers, there is a noticeable shift in tone in how it’s been packaged.
The first highly produced minute-long trailer sets the stage for an explosive, detailed look into the ever-expanding rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal clan.
But behind it’s glossy production, there’s also a distinct feeling that the story does not have a happy ending.
“No one knows the full truth,” Harry ominously states.
“We know the full truth.”
The Duke then goes on to describe “the pain and suffering of women” who marry into the institution as a “feeding frenzy.”
“I realised – they’re never going to protect you,” Meghan interjects.
One commentator featured in the clip even goes as far as describing a “war” waged against Meghan to suit “other people’s agendas”.
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For anyone paying attention, that’s exactly what the Duchess has been claiming the whole time.
It doesn’t take a genius either to recognise the clear parallels being drawn between Meghan and Harry’s mother – the late Princess Diana – who is pictured at one point being desperately hounded by the press.
The trailer makes clear that for Harry, only one thing factored in his decision to distance himself from the institution: protecting his family.
“I didn’t want history repeating itself,” he said.
Many, however, have since criticised him over what has been perceived as hypocrisy.
Harry, up until recent years a notoriously private man, is now at the forefront of one of the most controversial, and likely to be most talked about, pieces of history for decades to come.
Once firm on their stance that moving abroad was solely to distance themselves from the media storm that followed their every move in the UK, even the couple’s fiercest supporters would struggle to argue that’s still the case.
With just hours left until viewers are given their first dose of the hotly anticipated docuseries, representatives from the Sussexes camp have been working in overdrive to minimise any negative press in the lead-up.
Yesterday, the duo were criticised over their use of stock images throughout the official trailer, after it emerged that at least three pieces of footage were taken from events that had nothing to do with them.
Two high-profile members of the Sussexes’ Archewell organisation also announced their departures this week, leading to speculation the resignations are linked to a broader restructure of the group, more focused on taking the company in a new direction.
While it’s impossible to tell what revelations will emerge in the days and weeks to come, – and the impact they’ll have on the already-strained relationship between the Sussexes and their British counterparts – it’s clear the six-part series will be compelling viewing.
As Meghan herself put it, “the stakes are high”.
Princess of Wales dazzles at Buckingham Palace event
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